In journalism, especially, we tend to deal with large, complex systems by finding especially interesting people and story lines to focus on.

You can't create a successful politics of support for public education on the basis of asking voters not to care about skills, and tests that measure skills, at all.

You want to tell a story? Grow a heart. Grow two. Now, with the second heart, smash the first one into bits.

Walk, act and speak in confident.

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determination the way you play it is free will.

It's a lot more interesting to learn and discover real-life principles when they are revealed in the form of a story.

I have a really full life, both within music and outside it.

Preach not calmly and quietly as though you were asleep, but preach with fire and pathos and passion.

I think Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana was a case of that, who was an outstanding administrator.

Your best friend and worst enemy are both in this room right now. It's not your neighbor right or left - and it's not God or the devil - it's you.

Misery loves company. There's a lot to that.

I like complicated women. I like women with strength and contradictions.